Rama shows proof Apas residents sought help

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday showed the media his proof that contrary to the accusation of Rep. Tomas Osmeña, he is helping residents of Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas, because they asked him to and not for "showbiz" purposes.

He showed a copy of the manifesto dated August last year signed by 206 Apas residents asking his help to delay the demolition.

"He is saying that on my own I asked for the delay in the execution for six months without consulting the people? That's another irresponsible statement," Rama said.

Rama said that as the mayor of the city, he is expected to request the court to stall the demolition because the city is not a party to the case.

"It's as if I went there without the consent of the people. Pataka sila'g sulti," Rama said.

He said he will ask the different reporters who have interviewed Osmeña where the latter was quoted accusing him and Councilor Edgardo Labella to submit a copy of the records.

Rama said he will let his lawyer review Osmeña's statements to determine if there is a basis to file a libel case.

To recall, Osmeña accused Rama of using the Apas residents and that what he did was mere "showbiz."

Osmeña also accused Labella of misleading the people and said the latter cannot defend the residents because Labella is allegedly a law firm partner of the claimant's legal counsel.

But Labella denied this saying he and lawyer Roberto Palmares are just sharing an office to save on the cost of maintaining one.

"Kadtong giingon nga nag-drama ra mi, I want to have that record…It doesn't really matter if we have been affected. We're talking about responsibility on spitting words out. As a public official, you have to be circumspect with your pronouncements and statements," Rama said.

Osmeña challenged Rama and Labella to file libel charges against him.

"Let the people decide if Labella is misleading the people. I hope Rama and Labella are not bluffing. Believe me, I have lost all my respect for Labella," Osmeña said in a text message.

Labella and Osmeña's relationship soured after the former shifted alliance to Rama, who made him his running mate in the 2013 elections.

Both Rama and Labella are former Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan allies. The mayor first bolted BOPK then Labella followed after councilor Jose Daluz III shifted alliance to Rama to support former congressman Antonio Cuenco who will run with Rama as congressman in the south. — (FREEMAN)